Trump says 'we've won' in war with Iran
President Donald Trump speaks at the Republican Members Issues Conference, Monday, at Trump National Doral Miami in Doral, Fla. AP-Yonhap
WASHINGTON —
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that "we've won" in the war against Iran after he said in a media interview that the ongoing conflict will end "soon" as there is "practically nothing left to target."
Trump made the remarks during a public event in Hebron, Kentucky, as the U.S. military operation, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury," entered its 12th day, seeking to destroy Iran's missile capabilities and its Navy, and sever any pathway to nuclear arms.
"Let me say we've won. ... You never like to say too early you won. We won. We won. In the first hour it was over," he said.
He also said, "We don't want to leave early, do we? We've got to finish the job."
Earlier in the day, he referred to the conflict as both a war and an "excursion."
In a brief interview with Axios on the day, Trump said that the war with the Islamic Republic will come to an end "soon" as targets have run short.
"Any time I want it to end, it will end," Trump said.
In a video posted on X, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said that the U.S. military has struck more than 5,500 targets in Iran, including over 60 ships, since its operation against Tehran began on Feb. 28.
During the interview, Trump stressed that the war is "going great."
"We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period," he said.
Trump also said that Iran is paying for "47 years of death and destruction they caused."
"This is payback. They will not get off that easy," he said.
During a separate press availability, Trump said that the U.S. military has taken out "just about all" of Iran's mine-laying ships "in one night."
"We are up to boat number 60. I didn't realize that big a Navy (which) I would say was big and ineffective," Trump said, apparently referring to the number of Iranian vessels that the U.S. has struck.
"But every one of their ships, just about all of their Navy, is gone."
Trump also said that during the U.S. operation, Iran has lost its navy and air force.
"They have no anti-aircraft apparatus at all. They have no radar. Their leaders are gone," he said. "We can do a lot worse."